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Photo By Cpl. Jovane Holland | Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, a radio operator with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, June 20, 2006. The company renamed their headquarters building 2375 as Leon Hall in his honor, Sept. 29, during a ceremony at the building on Camp Hansen. The ceremony was attended by Nicole Ruhl, Leon's biological mother, from Simi Valley, Calif., and Katherine Leon, Leon's adoptive mother, from Lancaster, Calif.  

10.09.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Jovane Holland 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Cpl. Christopher D. Leon, a radio operator with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, June 20, 2006.

His brothers-in-arms have not forgotten him. The company renamed their headquarters building 2375 Leon Hall in his honor during a ceremony at the building, Sept. 29. The corporal's adoptive mother Katherine Leon and his biological mother Nicole Ruhl joined more than 50 5th ANGLICO Marines and guests from various other commands for the renaming ceremony.

"This was a project over three years in the making," said Capt. Blake Jackson, the 5th ANGLICO Firepower Control Team leader and command project officer for the dedication.

It took 5th ANGLICO three years to receive approval from the Leon family, the III MEF commander and the commandant of the Marine Corps to rename the building, Jackson said.

"Although there is nothing we can do to make up for the loss of a child, this small token of honor and appreciation will hopefully let Leon's family know that he will always be remembered by 5th ANGLICO and the Marine Corps," Jackson said.

Lt. Col. Louis Palazzo, commanding officer for 5th ANGLICO, told those gathered, "This is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that Leon's family, Marine Corps family and this nation has made. With the dedication of this building, future Marines will always know of Leon and the sacrifice he made. He will never be forgotten."

Leon and Ruhl both spoke during the renaming, praising the Marines who made the dedication possible and speaking of their love for Leon.

"He would be astounded to hear the words of praise that came from his captain and commander," said Leon, a Lancaster, Calif., native. "This whole ceremony was beyond my wildest expectations. It was truly beautiful."

Ruhl expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Marines who were with Leon in his final days.

"Thank you to the Marines that were with him in his last moments on Earth," the Simi Valley, Calif., native said. "He was with a great group of men that had an unbreakable bond."

Leon and Ruhl agreed the Marine Corps truly brought out the best in the fallen corporal.

"He held the Marine Corps in high regard," Leon said. "He was honored to be a Marine and serve within his unit. He was just doing his job, which is more than many would choose to do."

Ruhl added, "He was a Marine's Marine, an exemplary role model. Even though he died in the Marines, the Marine Corps saved his life. It was within this brotherhood that he was able to reach his full potential."

• Date Taken: 10.09.2009
• Date Posted: 10.13.2009 00:38
• Story ID: 39997